Getting Started

A simple guide to understanding home equity and how to use it

Home equity is the difference between the market value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage. Think of it as the part of...

How much home can I afford?

A house will likely be the biggest purchase of your life, so it’s important to have a clear and realistic idea of how much you can...

What is down payment assistance?

Buying a home is an important way to start building wealth for you and your family, but saving up for a down payment slows the process...

What is my debt-to-income ratio and why does it matter?

Throughout the mortgage process, your home lender may use a variety of industry jargon or acronyms when communicating with you about your...

How to prepare for the costs of buying a home

In a competitive housing market, prepared buyers are most likely to succeed. The list price might seem like the most important expense in...

Buying your first home: How can I improve and protect my credit?

When preparing to buy a home, one of the first steps is ensuring your finances are in order, particularly your credit score. A higher...

How to decrease debt before buying your first home

When you’ve taken on debt, paying it off can begin to feel like a hamster wheel, especially if interest is increasing the amount you owe...